In the group stage of ESL Pro League Season 21, we are anticipating a crucial battle between NAVI and G2 for a playoff spot. NAVI approaches the match after an unstable start to the tournament, eager to redeem themselves in the eyes of their fans. Meanwhile, G2 continues to search for their best game and is determined to prove that it's too early to count them out. In this material, we will analyze the current form of the teams, map pool, and make a match prediction.
Current Form of the Teams
The average rating of NAVI over the past month is 6.2. The team managed to play at IEM Katowice 2025, where they confidently reached the playoffs but unexpectedly lost to Spirit with a score of 2-0. After this setback, NAVI skipped PGL Cluj-Napoca, dedicating the entire month to training. At ESL Pro League Season 21, NAVI started poorly, sensationally losing to SAW. However, the subsequent two victories showed that the training is bearing fruit, and the team is gradually regaining confidence.
Date
Team
Score
Opponent
Mar 09, 16:30
Natus Vincere
2 - 0
paiN
Mar 08, 11:30
Natus Vincere
2 - 1
TYLOO
Mar 07, 16:30
Natus Vincere
1 - 2
SAW
Feb 08, 20:00
Natus Vincere
0 - 2
Spirit
Feb 04, 19:30
Natus Vincere
2 - 0
The MongolZ
The average rating of G2 is slightly higher — 6.4. At IEM Katowice 2025, the team failed to meet expectations, finishing only in 9-12th place. Like NAVI, the team skipped the Cluj-Napoca tournament to prepare for the ESL Pro League. In their first match, G2 confidently defeated paiN but then unexpectedly lost to The MongolZ, demonstrating issues with concentration and stability.
Date
Team
Score
Opponent
Mar 09, 14:30
G2
2 - 0
SAW
Mar 08, 14:30
G2
1 - 2
The MongolZ
Mar 07, 19:15
G2
2 - 0
paiN
Feb 03, 20:50
G2
1 - 2
FaZe
Feb 02, 17:00
G2
2 - 1
Falcons
Map Pool
NAVI is highly likely to choose Dust2 or Ancient, as these maps are their strong points. On Dust2, they have a 62% win rate over 13 games, and on Ancient, a 68% win rate over 19 games. They avoid Train, as they haven't played it since its return to the map pool. However, in the match against paiN, they played and won it, so the ban might change.
G2 is highly likely to choose Dust2 or Mirage, as these maps are their strong points. On Dust2, they have a 71% win rate over 17 games, and on Mirage, a 67% win rate over 18 games. They consistently ban Train, so this ban is expected.
Map
G2 Winrate
M
B
Last 5 Matches (G2)
NAVI Winrate
M
B
Last 5 Matches (NAVI)
Train
0%
0
6
FB, FB, FB, FB, FB
100%
1
9
FB, FB, FB, FB, FB
Anubis
57%
7
15
W, FB, W, L, FB
100%
3
13
W, W, W, W, W
Ancient
36%
14
7
L, L, W, L, W
68%
19
4
W, L, W, L, W
Nuke
70%
10
4
W, W, L, W, W
54%
13
8
W, W, W, L, L
Dust II
71%
17
2
W, W, W, L, L
62%
13
4
W, W, L, L, L
Inferno
58%
12
6
L, W, FB, L, W
53%
15
6
L, W, L, W, L
Mirage
67%
18
5
W, L, W, L, L
63%
19
0
W, W, L, W, L
Match Prediction
Both teams approach this match under roughly equal conditions. NAVI is gradually regaining form, while G2, despite high potential, has yet to demonstrate consistent play. The outcome of the match will depend on the execution of individual player skills.
Prediction: NAVI wins 2-1
ESL Pro League Season 21 takes place from March 1 to 16 in Stockholm, Sweden. 24 teams are competing for a prize pool of $400,000. Follow the schedule, match results, and tournament progress at the link here.
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